Probably all you’ve got on your bucket list is sightseeing in the majestic Alpes and a tour to the romantic canels and some of the best places in Venice—just like most of tourists. But deep inside, you’re craving more, aren’t you? Now the question is, how can you probably make this trip simply amazing?
Well, there are tons of places to visit in northern Italy that are waiting to make you fall in love with them. But the activities you can do out there can make the trip breathtaking.
I’d say you better start by hiking Sentiero Azzurro and sailing on Lake Orta. If you’re planning a longer trip, you can try canyoning in Val Bodengo and skiing in Cortina d’Ampezzo. But if you’re up for some adventure, try truffle hunting in Langhe.
But are these the only unique things to do in Northern Italy? Definitely not! That was a fraction of the list waiting for you below. Just scroll and get it all!
Key Takeaways
When it comes to the best time to visit Northern Italy, April to June are perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities, and September to October are ideal for hiking and exploring.
For skiing, February to March, and for summer activities, July and August are perfect times.
Unique Things to Do in Northern Italy for a Memorable Trip
Limiting your trip to Venice or Milan will be like testing the cream but not biting the pie. So, if you’re up for making your trip memorable in the northern region of Italy, here are a few of the best things you should not miss:
| Event | Location | Ideal For |
| Hiking | Cinque Terre, Italy | Nature enthusiasts, hikers |
| Sailing | Lake Orta, Italy | Boating fans, nature lovers |
| Hiking | Sacri Monti, Italy | Hikers, history buffs |
| Canyoning | Val Bodengo, Italy | Adventure seekers, nature lovers |
| Skiing | Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy | Skiers, winter sports enthusiasts |
| Hiking | Dolomites Alps, Italy | Hikers, photographers |
| Truffle Hunting | Langhe, Italy | Foodies, nature lovers |
| Test Drive a Ferrari 458 | Maranello, Italy | Car enthusiasts, thrill-seekers |
| Explore Forte di Fenestrelle | Piedmont, Italy | History buffs, architecture lovers |
| Wine Tasting | Franciacorta, Italy | Wine lovers, foodies |
| River Swimming | Val Trebbia, Italy | Swimmers, nature lovers |
| Cycling | Via Claudia Augusta, Italy | Cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts |
| Riding the Bernina Express | Swiss Alps, Italy | Train enthusiasts, sightseers |
| Explore Marble Quarries of Carrara | Carrara, Italy | Art lovers, history enthusiasts |
| Explore Sanctuary of Oropa | Oropa, Italy | Religious visitors, history buffs |
| Explore Grotte di Toirano | Liguria, Italy | Geology enthusiasts, history buffs |
| Cheese Tasting | Valtellina, Italy | Foodies, cheese lovers |
| Pizzoccheri Festival | Teglio, Italy | Foodies, cultural enthusiasts |
| Ghost Hunting | Poveglia Island, Italy | Paranormal enthusiasts, thrill-seekers |
I knew a simple list wouldn’t be enough to make you put these things on your ‘must-do’ list. So, let me tell you a bit more about how these places can make your trip truly unique:
Hiking the Sentiero Azzurro
Any tourist who is planning to explore Cinque Terre should try the Sentiero Azzurro, or let’s just call it the Blue Trail. This 12 km hike will make you fall in love with the five amazingly beautiful villages: Monterosso, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore.
However, if you’re thinking about the easiest part, I’d say it’s the Via dell’Amore or the Lovers’ Lane between Riomaggiore and Manarola. One of the best things about this hike is that to complete the entire trail, it won’t take more than 4.5 to 5 hours. But to get the best out of it, try visiting the place between April and October.
Unique Activity: Hike along the scenic coastal path that connects the five villages, offering stunning views of the coastline.
Safety Tip: Wear sturdy hiking shoes and stay hydrated.
Sailing on Lake Orta
Northern Italy’s Lake Orta is one of the most beautiful places you can go, especially when you like it less crowded but full of scenic views. If you’ve heard about the beautiful San Giulio, this is the lake where that island resides. While sailing, you’ll also see a bunch of elegant villas that have multiplied the appeal of that view.
To make public boat services useful, it’s better to go there between March and October. Plus, at that time, you’ll have easy access to the island. But if you’re up for a private experience, you’ll get boat rentals there as well.
Unique Activity: Rent a boat for a leisurely sail or join a guided tour to visit the enchanting island of San Giulio.
Safety Tip: Always wear a life jacket while sailing and check the weather conditions before heading out.
Hiking in Sacri Monti
If you’ve got a thing for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wait till you visit Italy’s Sacri Monti. I didn’t know that a place could blend spirituality and natural beauty so perfectly. The nine complexes, spreading across Piedmont and Lombardy, are full of beautiful chapels nicely decorated with paintings and sculptures.
One peaceful walk in the Sacro Monte di Orta can take you to the 20 chapels dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi. And another part of this trip you won’t want to miss is the Sacri Monti UNESCO Trail. Through the woods, it can take you to one of the best places in Italy and give you an amazing view of Lake Orta.
Unique Activity: Hike the scenic trails connecting these sacred hills and experience the artistic chapels along the way.
Safety Tip: Wear appropriate footwear and carry enough water for hikes, as trails can be steep and rugged.
Canyoning in Val Bodengo
If you’ve got a craving for adventure and speed, I’ve got the perfect place for you. It’s Val Bodengo near Lake Como. Canyoning here is filled with thrills, where you’ll get to move through narrow gorges and slide down exciting water slides.
There are basically four routes. Bodengo 1 is perfect for beginners. But if you’re looking for something a bit more challenging, try Bodengo 2, where you can go for higher jumps and longer slides.
Unique Activity: Join a professional canyoning tour to navigate natural slides and jumps in a breathtaking setting.
Safety Tip: Follow your guide’s instructions closely and ensure you have proper gear before starting.
Skiing in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the most famous ski resorts in Italy. This resort, in the heart of the Dolomites, comes with three different skiing areas. The first one is Tofane, which is suitable for all types of skiers.
Faloria – Cristallo is the second, and this one is more of a place for intermediate skiers. The third one is Cinque Torri – Lagazuoi and it’s my favorite, not only because it’s blessed with beautiful scenery but also because its historical significance is high.
Unique Activity: Experience world-class skiing with breathtaking views of the Alpine scenery.
Safety Tip: Always check the weather conditions and wear appropriate gear.
Hiking the Tre Cime di Lavaredo
I bet hikers are going to love this list more than ever just because I’ve added the Tre Cime di Lavaredo to it. Lots of us also call it the Three Peaks of Lavaredo. They’re located in the Sesto Dolomites and are also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The three iconic peaks are basically Cima Piccola, Cima Grande, and Cima Ovest. Here, the prime loop trail around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo is around 10.3 km. So, it’s going to take 3.5 to 4 hours to complete it, depending on your pace, of course.
And if you love hiking trails that will take you closer to the sky, this one, thankfully, can take you 400 meters above sea level. The hike starts from Rifugio Auronzo and continues through Rifugio Lavaredo, Forcella Lavaredo, and Rifugio Locatelli. So, if you’re free from late June to early October, give it a shot.
Unique Activities: Trek around the iconic three peaks, showcasing some of the most stunning landscapes in the Alps.
Safety Tip: Follow marked trails and carry a map or GPS (Google Map app).
Truffle Hunting in Langhe
It’s truffle hunting time, and what can be a better place for that than Langhe? And yes, this is a place where you can dive into the amazing taste of delicious food as well. Here, you can go for guided tours where you can find the perfect truffle’s habitat.
The hunt shouldn’t last for more than 1.5 to 2 hours. But this time is enough for you to explore the woods while learning more about how to hunt truffles in the first place.
One of the best times for hunting here is from September to December. Plus, this is the time when you’ll find the Alba white truffle.
Unique Activity: Join local truffle hunters with their trained dogs to learn about the delicate art of truffle hunting.
Safety Tip: Wear sturdy shoes suitable for uneven terrain and be mindful of wildlife in natural areas.
Test Drive a Ferrari 458 in Maranello
If you’re a car enthusiast, I bet you’re never going to miss this chance to drive the Ferrari 458 in Maranello.
Maranello is basically in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. Calling it the home of Ferrari is what I prefer the most. This place will give you the opportunity to drive a 4.5-liter V8 engine beast with 562 horsepower. Plus, it can take you from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds.
Unique Activity: Feel like part of the Ferrari family as you navigate the same scenic routes used for testing these high-performance vehicles.
Safety Tip: Follow local speed limits and road regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable drive.
Explore Forte di Fenestrelle
Once you explore the Forte di Fenestrelle in northern Italy, it will become a story worth telling. The humongous Alpine fortress is the largest in Europe. And the size? Well, it stretches more than 3 km while covering a staircase with 4,000 steps.
The House of Savoy built this place between 1728 and 1850, and probably it’s the timing that made this fortress play a vital role in historical conflicts. This royal walk will take around 7 hours to complete. But if you don’t have that much time, you can get a shorter visit of 1 hour.
Unique Activity: Explore the fortress’s intricate architecture and learn about its military history through guided tours.
Safety Tip: Be cautious on steep staircases and uneven paths throughout the fortress grounds.
Wine Tasting in Franciacorta
This part of the Lombardy region has been bringing up the best of the wines for years by using the traditional metodo classico method.
You’ll also get here the opportunity to see the scenic vineyards, taste the food and wine, and explore the historic wineries, including Vigneti Cenci, Al Rocol, and Ricci Curbastro.
Unique Activity: Participate in a vineyard tour followed by a tasting session to savor exquisite wines paired with local delicacies.
Safety Tip: Designate a driver or use local transport options if you plan to indulge in wine tastings.
Val Trebbia River Swimming
The Val Trebbia River is indeed one of the best places to visit for swimmers. Here, the water is so clear that you’ll find it extra refreshing for sure.
Guess what? It comes with a bunch of natural swimming spots, including San Salvatore Meandri and Anse di Brugnello. The sandy and pebbly beaches here have made the place a perfect escape from the brutal heat, especially in the summer.
Unique Activity: Spend a day relaxing by the riverbanks or take part in swimming and relaxing activities amidst nature.
Safety Tip: Always check water conditions for safety and be cautious of currents when swimming.
Related Post: Most Captivating Beaches In Italy for Swimming
Cycling Along Via Claudia Augusta
To me, this place is one of the reasons why visiting northern Italian cities never gets boring. But I love it the most for the sheer joy of cycling along the Via Claudia Augusta. The 700 km long ancient Roman road makes me feel like time-traveling through history and beautiful landscapes.
It connects Donauwörth in Germany to Altino near Venice or Ostiglia on the Po River. And the best part is, when you ride here, you’ll find it’s easy to see and cross the Alps on a touring bike like never before. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy great food here as well.
Unique Activity: Rent a bike to explore charming villages and natural scenery while enjoying local cuisine along the route.
Safety Tip: Always wear a helmet and stay aware of traffic rules while cycling.
Related Post: Things to Do in Venice on a Budget
Riding the Bernina Express
If you’re craving a journey through the Swiss Alps, the Bernina Express is your ticket. And yes, it connects Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy.
Another reason it has turned into a major attraction to tourists is that it’s a part of the Rhaetian Railway. Also, while covering the 144 km route, you’ll pass through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges.
Unique Activity: Experience breathtaking views from panoramic windows, making it an unforgettable journey through the beautiful valleys.
Safety Tip: Secure your belongings while on board and stay seated during sharp turns for safety.
Exploring the Marble Quarries of Carrara
The most amazing part of the Marble Quarries of Carrara is how these quarries have been operational in the Apuan Alps in Tuscany – 2000 years!
I’ve never seen a mixture of art and architecture like this. In fact, you’ll get to see Michelangelo’s sculptures here as well. Once you start to explore it, from ancient to modern, all the extraction techniques will be in front of your eyes.
Unique Activity: Take a guided Jeep tour through the quarries to see where Michelangelo sourced his marble.
Safety Tip: Wear appropriate clothing and closed shoes when visiting quarry sites to ensure comfort and safety.
Visiting the Sanctuary of Oropa
Spiritual, historical, and natural—these are three words that will come to mind while visiting the Sanctuary of Oropa. It has been living in the Biellese Alps for years, and its location at an altitude of 1,159 meters above sea level has given it a differently graceful vibe.
As one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in Italy, it draws the attention of thousands of pilgrims every year. The two basilicas, a bunch of chapels, and a monumental cemetery make it a perfect sanctuary complex.
Unique Activity: Attend Mass or explore the beautiful gardens and chapels surrounding the sanctuary.
Safety Tip: Check local visiting hours and dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.
Grotte di Toirano
Have you ever heard about the Karst cave system? Their archaeological and paleontological significance is simply out of this world. Guess what? It’s here, in the Grotte di Toirano, which is located in the province of Savona, Liguria.
The most fascinating thing about these caves is that they’re holding the footprints of ancient humans and even the bones of prehistoric animals. You can also check out the Grotta della Basura and the Grotta di Santa Lucia Inferiore here.
Unique Activity: Join guided tours to learn about the geology and history of these remarkable caves.
Safety Tip: Follow guide instructions closely when exploring caves and wear appropriate footwear for slippery surfaces.
Cheese Tasting in Valtellina
Though once you start to explore Italy, there will be tons of traditional dishes you’ll have to taste on your way. But no matter what, don’t even think about skipping the cheese tasting in Valtellina. I bet you don’t want to miss the flavors of the Alpine region.
Valtellina, a part of the Lombardy region, is world-famous for its exquisite cheeses. and rich dairy traditions. A few of these cheeses tourists have been loving for decades are Bitto DOP, Valtellina Casera DOP, and Scimudin. And once you pair them with fine local beverages, the tasting experience will be on a whole other level.
Unique Activity: Participate in cheese tastings at local dairies, learning about traditional cheesemaking processes.
Safety Tip: Ensure any dairy allergies are communicated prior to tastings to avoid adverse reactions.
Pizzoccheri Festival in Teglio
Every year in July, this festival comes up with pizzoccheri, which is the region’s iconic dish. It’s basically a type of buckwheat pasta. I’m sure once you taste this one, you’ll never crave another pasta dish.
Plus, this vibrant atmosphere is full of live music, cultural performances, and, of course, local crafts. So, when you plan your trip to this city of Italy, pick these times of the year when you can experience festivals like this.
Unique Activity: Join locals in cooking demonstrations, tastings, and cultural performances celebrating this culinary delight.
Safety Tip: Be cautious with food allergies when sampling various dishes at festivals.
Ghost Hunting on Poveglia Island
Situated in the Venetian Lagoon, Poveglia’s other name is “Island of Ghosts.” All the credit goes to its dark history.
It was used as a quarantine station during the plague, which later turned into a mental asylum. Clearly, a place like this never runs out of tales of haunting occurrences.
Unique Activity: Participate in night tours led by ghost-hunting experts who share chilling tales of the island’s past.
Safety Tip: Visit as part of an organized tour to ensure safety on this remote island.
Tips for Traveling in Northern Italy
Indeed, there are hundreds of things to do in Italy. But if you really don’t want them to be in the ‘spoiled’ zone, you need to keep a few things in mind, such as:
Best Time to Visit
No matter which city in Italy you explore, picking the right time is the best way to get your finest experience there. So, which time is the right time?
- April to June: The temperatures stay mild and less touristy, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- September to October: The weather stays pleasant and fewer tourists make it perfect for hiking and exploring.
- February to March: Best for skiing in the snow-capped mountains of the Dolomites.
- July and August: If your bucket list ideas include summer activities like sunbathing, this is the right time. But it can be crowded and hot.
Getting Around in Northern Italy
You won’t always be in the capital of Italy, where you’ll get it all as per your convenience. And with the wrong transportation, it’s not possible to visit every corner of the above-mentioned spots within a specific time frame.
So, here are a few travel preferences that will be useful during the trip:
- Train: The train network in Northern Italy is highly extensive and efficient. Hence, moving within the major cities or from north to south shouldn’t be a problem.
- Car: If you’re more into flexibility and planning to explore rural areas, the Dolomites, or the Italian Lakes, I’d suggest getting a rental car.
- Bus: In places that trains don’t cover, buses are a perfect mode of transportation. Besides, companies like FlixBus offer affordable intercity travel, which will also keep your travel budget a bit lean.
- Bicycle: If you’re up for exploring regions like South Tyrol and the Veneto, a bicycle can be your perfect partner.
- Boat: When you’re stubborn enough to stay in Lake Como or Lake Garda and take a romantic short boat ride on the lake, though they can be expensive, the experience is worth it.
Accommodation
Do you know why Italy is one of the best attractions for tourists? It’s not known for its delicious food or beautiful places only but for its perfect accommodations as well. Here are a few that you can try:
- Hotels: If you’re bound to keep the budget short, make your stay more comfortable with Northern Italy’s finest luxury hotels. If it’s Venice, the Hotel Gritti Palace and Hotel Danieli give you stunning views of the Grand Canal.
- Agriturismo: With a view to an authentic experience, you can try agriturismo. These farm stays can get you closer to local cuisine and rural life.
- Mountain Lodges: If you’re a nature lover, mountain lodges like the Naturhotel Rainer in Ratschings can keep it cozy for you while giving you easy access to hiking and skiing.
Related Post: Ancient Rome Tourist Attractions
Final Words
I tried to do nothing here but find some of the best and most unique things to do in Northern Italy, which I believe is your next travel destination in Italy. From hiking in Cinque Terre and sailing in Lake Orta to skiing in Cortina d’Ampezzo and test-driving a Ferrari 458 in Maranello, you’re free to try it all.
You can also stay at any of the luxury hotels, agriturismos, or mountain lodges and ride a train, bus, car, or bicycle to explore every inch of northern Italy. Just make sure you’re having the best time of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is special about northern Italy?
Northern Italy is a perfect mixture of historic cities, stunning mountains, lakes, and world-class cuisine. From adventure to romance, it has everything to offer.
Where is the best place to base yourself in Northern Italy?
Milan so far, has the best places to stay in Northern Italy. Thanks to the excellent transportation links, it offers access to historic cities like Venice and Verona. It’s also home to a world-class galleria and is called the city of fashion.
What is the best way to explore Northern Italy?
I’d say that the train is the best way to explore Northern Italy. Not only is it efficient but it is also comfortable.
Is Northern Italy worth visiting?
Absolutely! Northern Italy is where you’ll get to explore the majestic Alps to the romantic canals of Venice. Each of the regions comes with beautiful landscapes, world-class cuisine, and a rich history.
